Nice analysis of the distinction between conservatives and libertarians.

I was once labeled a “libertarian-leaning theoconservative”, which may not be too far off. I flirted pretty heavy with libertarianism in my 20s. However, it’s now my view that libertarianism is fundamentally a movement of the Left, and the common ground on some issues between libertarians and conservatives is largely a historical accident. Not that we should avoid trying to expand that common ground as much as our principles permit.

GSTJuly 29, 2009

Obviously, I don’t have enough facts to form a defensible opinion, but if that doesn’t stop the President of the United States, why should it stop me?

Based on what little I’ve read, I believe that Officer Crowley acted properly at every step of the way at least as far as the arrest. And Professor Gates acted boorishly. About the arrest for disorderly conduct, I don’t know enough to have an opinion about whether it was justified, but, as a general matter, I do believe that there are some cops that act as though it’s a crime to give them an earful. It may not be smart, and it may not be polite, but it’s not always a crime to tell a cop where to stick it.